Self-contained vent drum/pump coupler unit



March 20, 1956 J. D. RIESER SELF-CONTAINED VENT DRUM/PUMP COUPLER UNIT Filed Nov. 19, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

March 20, 1956 J, ug-55 2,738,991

SELF-CONTAINED VENT DRUM/PUMP COUPLER UNIT Filed NOV. 19, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

March 20, 1956 J. D. RIESER SELF-CONTAINED VENT DRUM/PUMP COUPLER UNIT 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 19, 1954 m m m m March 20, 1956 J. D. RIESER 2,733,991

SELF-CONTAINED VENT DRUM/PUMP COUPLER UNIT Filed Nov. 19, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR.

United States Patent SELF-CONTAINED VENT DRUM/ PUMP COUPLER UNIT John D. Rieser, San Francisco, Calif.

Application November 19, 1954, Serial No. 469,968:

2 Claims. (Cl. zss- -so This invention relates to a self-contained vent and drum/pump coupler unit of the kind involving a closure couple between the perimeter of the plug opening of a drum or like inclosed hollow vessel and an external perimeter of the suction pipe of a pump unit that enters the drum through the plug opening including an end portion of the vent of this vent equipped self-contained vent'and drum/ pump coupler unit.

One object of the present invention is to provide aportable self-contained vent and drum/ pump coupler unit equipped with a vent and a self latching actuating means to actuate an elastic element and provide a drip proof couple between the perimeter of an opening and an external perimeter of a tubing extending through the opening.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable self-contained vent and drum/pump coupler unit equipped with a vent and having an actuating means to provide a drip proof closure couple between the perimeter of an opening and the external perimeter of a tube extending through the opening and at least one of the engagements of the closure couple being by'means of an elastic element, actuated by the actuating means.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable self-contained vent and drum/pump coupler unit equipped with a vent disposed laterally within the bowl-- dary of an opening in a drum side or like inclosed hollow vessel and the support structure of said coupler unit being formed of the suction pipe or like of a pump unit being equipped with actuating and attachment means to provide of drip proof closure couple thereof said opening.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable self-contained vent and drum/pump coupler unit equipped with a vent disposed laterally within the boundary of an opening in a drum side or like hollow vessel and the vent communicating the interior of; said vessel with an open end vapor chamber-of said coupler unit;

Other more specific objects and advantages'will' appear from the following description of the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. I

In the drawings accompanying and forming a part hereof, Figure 1 is a side view of my unit, partly in section, taken on the line 11, Figure 2, the actuating means being in free position, and-indicated by dash lines a pump suction tube extending through the unit. 7

Figure 2 is a side View, partly in section, taken on the line 2-2, Figure I, and indicating by dash lines a pump suction tube extending through the unit.

Figure 3 is a sectional plan view, the section being taken on the line 3--3, Figure 2, and indicating by dash line circles the pump suction tube in place.

Figure 4 is a side view, partly in section, similar to that of Figure 1, but showing the unit in place about the plug flange or a drum, a plug flange and a portion of the drum end are shown in section and the suction pipe of a pump is indicated by solid lines extending through the unit and downwardly into the drum, and the actuating unit;

of elements are forced together'the resiliently compressi ble means or elements is compressed axially and is ex 2,738,991 Fate rated Mar. 20, 1955 ICC parts afiected.

Figure 5 is1a side view showingan application of my coupler unit. v p I Figure '6 is [asectional plan view, the section being taken on the line 6+6, Figure 5.

Figure 7 is aside view of a modified embodiment of my invention, partly in section, similar to that of the Figure l.

Figure 8 is a side view of another modified embodiment of my inventiompartly in section and showing the unit infree position in place about the plug flange of a drum,- a plug flange and a portion of the drum end being shown in section, and the suction pipe in this instance forms the support structure of the unit and it is considered a part of the pump unit, of which a portion is shown in section.

Figure 9 is a side view, similar to that of the Figure 8, but showing the'unit after actuation of' its actuating means.

- Figure 10 is a side View, of another modified embodiment of my invention, partly in section, taken on the line 10-40, Figuredlpthe unit is shown in -free position in place about the plug flange of a drum, similar to that of the Figure 8, and the suction pipe extending through the unit is indicated by solid and dotted lines.

Figure 11 is a sectional plan view, the section-being taken on the line11'-11, Figure 10.

: Figure l2 -isa sectional plan view, the section being taken on the line 12-12, Figure 10.

a Figure 13 'is a side view, similar to that of the Figure 10, but showingthe unit'after actuation of the actuating means. 7

a Figure 14 is a top plan view to reduced size to show' the actuating handles; I Y The general concept of my invention to provide a conpling which can be quickly attached so that by single operation both the plug flange of a drum and the suction pipeof a pump'are engaged, sealed and coupled without impairing the operation of avent which is a part of the coupler unit and communicates the drum'im terior with the atmosphere, without the need of opening other vent or vents on the drum. For in pumping prac tice it is. commonly and well known that when withdrawing a' fluidcr like substance from an lnclosed vessel by pump suction, that the interiorof the vessel be vented so that, as pumping occurs therefrom, the space occupied by the pumped commodity be simultaneously replaced by free' air. All of which is the purpose of the vent and it automati'cally coacts with combined tight closure con nections'thereof the suction pipe and the opening of. the flangelby my self-contained vent and drum/pump coupler This invention is carried out generally by assembling a plurality of superimposed hollow elements so that the perimeters'of the central openings of said holiowele: ments areaxially-aligned and are adapted to receive a suction pipe therethrough for introduction thi.oughthe plug flange, of .a .drum or the like. Resiliently com-- pressible means are provided to engage the pipe' a'nd plug flange for this purpose. One or more of said hollow element's-is resiliently compressible so that. as the series panded radially'or laterally so as to be pressed against the pipe and in some forms also against the'inner perimeter of the plug flange opening.

In the form shown in Figure l, the coupler unit includes the following superimposed element: a support structure generally indicated by the numeral 30, having side walls 31, a base 32 and a top edge 33; the base being bored at 34 to-receive and hold a hollow elastic element 3 5, througha linkage mechanism. This linkage mechameans is shown in its actuated position together with the 3 nism consists of the bottom ring 36, a series of screws 37 extended through the bottom ring and through the hollow elastic element and through the top plate 38. The holes for the screws 37, in the top plate 38 are threaded. These screws are provided with lock nuts 39. An edge of the top plate 38 bears upon the top edge 33 of the support structure and may be considered as forming a limiting support for the hollow elastic element 35. This hollow elastic element 35 may be formed of rubber or a like substance, having rebounding properties.

Now referring to the Figures 1 and 2, the actuating means generally indicated by the numeral 40, consists of the handle 41, and the two eccentric earns 42. And each of these cams are made up of the cam portion 42 having the actuating faces 43, and a pivot shaft 45. A portion of the actuating face 43 bears upon the under face 44 of the top plate 38. The pivot shafts 45 extend through holes 46 in the side walls 31 of the support structure, so as to support the actuating means. The pivot shafts 45 are provided with transverse holes into which the ends of the handle 41 are inserted. These pivot shafts may be suitably fastened to the ends of the handle. The notch 47a, of the actuating face 43 of the cams 42 provides a flat or catch to latch the actuating means in its actuated position, as is hereinafter described.

The vent 47, in this instance, is a tube section and it extends through the bottom ring 36, the hollow elastic element and the base 32 of the support structure 30. The vent is suitably fastened to the bottom ring 36 (the fastenings are not shown), and passes through holes provided therefor through the other members enumerated, to permit of the vent to move vertically with the linkage mechanism upon manual actuation of the actuating means, as hereinafter described. The dot and dash line 48, is here considered as being the vertical center line of the coupler unit and the pump suction pipe 49. The pump suction pipe is shown by dash lines, passing therethrough the hole 50, in the top plate 38 and the hole 51, in the bottom ring 36 of the linkage mechanism and the hollow 52, of the hollow elastic element 35.

Referring to the Figure 5, which serves as an example to show an application of the coupler unit, a portion of an assumed drum is indicated generally by the numeral 52a, and further let it be assumed that 53 is a drum of gasoline, and as is well known, drums of this type generally consist of a round hollow section having a top 54,. that includes a plug flange with its necessary plug screwed therein and a bottom end 55. In the field, portable hand pumps are employed to pump the gasoline from the drum after having removed the plug from the plug flange. These hand pumps include a suction pipe, which extends from the pump down into the drum through the plug flange opening to the bottom inside of the drum. The suction pipe is a length of ordinary commercial pipe or tubing, having one end threaded or flanged for connection to the suction port of the pump unit and the other end being cut on an angle to provide a pump suction. opening while resting upon the inside of the bottom of the drum. As is well known, the variation of the external diameter of common commercial piping or tubing varies considerably, also the roundness likewise varies considerably. Therefore a bushing or like is used, the external threaded portion of which conforms to the threading in the plug flange opening, and the opening of which permits of the pump suction pipe pass therethrough. The opening in these bushings, need be of ample size to accommodate the maximum external diameter encountered in practice of commercial piping, also to provide a vent, consequently the hole in the bushing being appreciably greater than that of the external diameter of the pump suction pipe, permits water and other foreign matter to enter into the drum thus contaminating the gasoline, even tho setscrews are employed on the bushing to anchor the pump unit onto the drum. It is well understood that the suction pipe is considered as a part of the portable 4 hand pump unit, for in moving a pump unit from drum to drum, the pump unit including its suction pipe is withdrawn from the drum as a unit, and reversely in like manner inserted into the next drum. Also it is well known that for beers and the like, that resiliently compressible hollow plugs are used with means to compress the plug so as to expand its external diameter into the plug flange opening of the barrel, also in some cases to contract the internal diameter of its hollow about a tube, however they do not provide a vent means to communicate the interior of the barrel with the atmosphere to freely admit free air into the hollow vessel.

In Figure -5 the numeral 56 indicates the suction end of a portable hand pump and its suction pipe 49, heretofore mentioned, is shown attached to the suction port of the pump unit. in this application the pump suction pipe is shown as extending downwardly through the coupler unit 82 and into the drum as heretofore described. The position 57, shows the position of the handle 41 of the actuating means 40, when the coupler unit is in free position,

as is the situation thereof the Figure 1, and the position 58 shows the position of the handle 41 after manual actuation of the actuating means 40, as is the situation thereof the Figure 4.

And now referring to the Figure 4, which is an enlarged sectional side view of the coupler unit 82 in position on the top end 54. of the drum 53, the plug flange 61 of the drum 53 is shown in section along with a portion of the top end 54 of the drum about the plug flange. The Figure 4 is the same view as that shown at the Figure 1, but that the handle 41 of the actuating means 40 has been manually actuated from the free position 57, as is shown thereof the Figure 1, to its actuated position 58, through an arc scribed from the center 60, of the pivot shafts 45 in the direction of the arrow 59, see Figure 5. The Figure 4 and the following demonstrates the accomplishment of the combined closure connections between the opening in the plug flange and the external perimeter of the pump-suction pipe. Figure 8 shows the relationship between the plug flange opening and the outside diameter of the hollow elastic element more clearly. The outside diameter of the hollow elastic element 35", in the Figure 8, is the same as that of the hollow elastic element 35 in the Figure 1. There is ample difference between the outside diameter of the hollow elastic element'and the inside diameter of the opening in the plug flange of the drum, to permit easy insertion of same when the actuating means is in its free position. Also when the actuating means is in free position, the diameter of the hollow 52, in the hollow elastic element is shown as being appreciably greater than that of the external diameter of the pump suction pipe, to permit easy passage of this pipe passing through the coupler unit and to accommodate any irregularities or variations of the external perimeter of the commercial pipe or like used for the pump suction pipe. As heretofore described, the connection between the handle 41 and the two eccentric cams 42, being of positive nature so that the actuating face 43 of the cam pair move in a similar manner about the center 60, consequently the latch 47a, thereof the actuating face of each cam moves from the position shown thereof the Figure l, to that of the position shown thereof the Figure 4, and the actuting face 43 moves the top plate 38 and the other parts of the linkage mechanism that interconnects the hollow elastic element and the actuating means, vertically. The amount of this vertical movement, corresponds with the amount of the cam eccentricity, and in this instance, is equal to the difference between the distance represented by 62, see Figure l, and 63, at Figure 4. This vertical movement of the linkage mechanism as a whole, produced by manual actuation of the actuating means, compresses the hollow elastic element against the support structure faces, which in turn automatically causes the external portion of the hollow elastic element that extends into the opening in the plug flange 61, to expand and engage the perimeter of the opening in the plug flange 61 of the drum 53,'see Figure 4, and at the same time, this compressing of the hollow elastic element against the support structure faces, automatically causes the internal portion of the hollow elastic element to contract and engage the external perimeter of the pump suction pipe 49, shown by solid lines in Figure 4, as extending through the center of the coupler unit. The vent 47, as heretofore explained, being attached to the bottom ring 36, in like manner moves vertically, without impairing its purpose, whose requirement is formed by the establishment of the combined tight closure engagement of the plug flange opening and the suction pipe by single operation, as had been heretofore dwelt with and the line 86, with arrows represents the path of the free air entering into the drum through the vent means 47 automatically as pumping occurs of the liquid therefrom the inclosed hollow vessel.

The simultaneous expansion and contraction of the hollow elastic element by manual actuationof the actuating means, provides the combined closure connection between the opening in the plug flange and the external perimeter of the pump suction pipe to the extent, that water or other foreign substance seeping through the gap between the hole 50, in the top plate 38 and the external perimeter of the suction pipe or around the exterior of the coupler unit, can not enter into the drum. Also these engagements, operably anchor the pump unit onto the drum. The hollow elastic element is composed of a flexible andyieldin'gsubstance, capable of accommodating any irregularities of the engaging surfaces. And in the event of water seeping through the gap mentioned above, it will drain out through the opening 64, provided at the side of the support structure. The opening 64 also permits entrance of air to the vent 47, in the event that the side walls 31 of the support structure are made solid.

The hollow elastic element is composed of a substance which has the property of recovering its shape or free position, as shown thereof the Figure 1, when the actuating means is moved in a reverse direction to that described. This also disengages the combined closure connections, automatically and permits the moving of the whole unit onto the next drum as heretofore mentioned. Also it is understood in practice, that the inside diameter of the hollow of the elastic element may be such so as to support the weight of this coupler unit, while in free position' on the suction pipe of the pump unit.

The Figure 7 shows a modified form coupler unit, and'in the following description, employing the same number to its parts that are similar to those heretofore described, and where a part is of similar nature, but modified slightly applying the same number with the suffix added after the number.

And now referring to the Figure 7, the support structure generally indicated by the numeral 30', having side walls 31, a base 32 and a top edge 33, the base being'bored at 34 to supportably mount the hollow elastic element 35', through its linkage mechanism which consists of the bottom ring 36 and it being provided with a series of screws 37, that extend and interconnect the various parts in similar manner to that heretofore described. The actuating means generally indicated by the numeral 40, is also similar to that heretofore described.

An application of the modified coupler unit as shown at the Figure 7, would be similar to that described, in that the manual actuation of the actuating means 40 effects vertical movement of the linkage mechanism as a whole, and compresses the hollow elastic element against the support structure faces, which in turn automatically causes the internal portion of the hollow elastic element that extends about the suction pipe 49 to contract and engage the external perimeter of the suction pipe. In this form, to efifect a connection between the coupler unit and the opening in the plug flange of the drum, the support structure 30 includes a hollow plug element 65, that has external threads to match those of the drum flange open ing for connection between thecoupler unit and the drum unit. A gasket member 66 is provided to form a seal at the top edge of the plug flange. The vent 47 issimh lar to that heretofore described,- and it extends through the bottom ring 36' the hollow elastic element .35 and the base 32' of the support structure 391,

The modified formcoupler unitin Figures 8 and 9 provides that the support structure be formed as a definite part of the portable pump unit and the vent be disposed within the boundary of the opening ina plug flange of the drum unit. In the following description, I employ the same numbers to designate its parts that are similar to those heretofore described and where a part is of a similar nature, but modified slightlyapply the same numeral with the suflix added after the number.

Referring to Figure 8, the support structure 49" of the coupler unit is a portion of the pump suction pipe or the portable pump unit. As shown a top portion of this suction pipe is in the form of a pipe nipple, being thread ed at one end for the coupling 67, and the other end threaded for anchorage thereof the pump suction port 56. This permits the balance'of'the suction pipe being made in various lengths to suit and reach down-into'the drum, or this suction pipe can he made of a single piece, thus omitting the nipple and the pipecoupling. j

The support structure 49" is grooved for the snap ring 68, which is provided to position the coupler unit as a whole about the support structure '49". The support structure is slotted at 69, for the end of a dog point setscrew 70, which is threadingly through the side wall of a hollow bushing ele'ment 71, which later is provided with external threads. 'The hollow bushing element 71 permits the support'structure 49" to pass therethrough. The dog point of the setscrew 70 entering into the slot 69 prevents axial'movement between the support structure 49" and the hollow element 71, yet permits lirnited longitudinal movement between the two. The support structure is also slotted at 72, for the end of a setscrew 73, which is threadedl'y connected to and passes through the'side wall of a hollow collar element 74. The hollow of the hollow collar element 74 permits the support structure 49" to pass therethrough. The set'screw 73 entering into the slot 72 prevents axial movement between'the support structure 49" and the hollow collar element 74. The'top surface of the hollow collar element 74 bears against an under surface of a gasket element 75. A top surface of the gasket element 75 \bears against an under surface of the pump suction port 565 Bearing upon a top surface of the snap ring 68, is the bottom ring 36". Between the bottom ring 36 and the hollow bushing element 71 is a hollow elastic element 35" and a hollow top ring 76. The vent 47 is similar to that heretofore described, and it extends through the bottom ring 36", the hollow elastic element 35", the hollow ring 76 and the hollow bushing element 71, within bounds of the opening in the plug flange 61. of the drum or like vessel. The actuating means, generally indicated by the numeral 40", is comprised of the handles 41 and the hollow rotative element 77., The handles 41" are threadingly into the external perimeter of the hollow rotative element 77. A portion of the hollow rotative element 77 being bored to fit about an external perimeter of the hollow collar element 74, also to bear upon a bottom surface of the hollow collar element 74 while other portion of the hollow rotative element 77 is threaded to match the external threading thereof the hollow bushing element 71, to form an operable connection between the two. The hollow rotative element 77 is fitted with the snap ring 78, to permit of rotative movement of the hollow rotative element 77 about the hollow collar element 74 and the hollow bushing element 71. The hollow collar element 74 together with its setscrew could be eliminated, in which event the hollow rotative element 77 is bored to rotate about the support structure 49" and the hollow bushing element 71. The opening 64" provided through the side of the hollow rotative element 77 may be utilized as a passage to the top of the vent 47.

Referring to Figure 8,'indicates in section, the coupler unit and the pump unit with its suction pipe in free position, through the plug flange at top of a drum or like vessel, that has been heretofore described. Figure 9 shows the same sectional view, but after manual actuation of the actuating means, with the accomplishment of the combined closure connections between the opening in the plug flange and the external perimeter of the pump suction pipe. Referring to the Figure 8, rotation of the actuating means, through its threaded connection with the hollow bushing element 71, causes the hollow bushing element 71 to move vertically toward the snap ring 68 which compresses the hollow elastic element 35" between a face of the bottom ring 36" and the hollow top ring 76, which in turn automatically causes the external portion of the hollow elastic element to expand and engage the perimeter of the opening in the plug flange 61 of the drum as shown in Figure 9. At the same time this compressing of the hollow elastic element 35" between a face of the bottom ring and the hollow top ring, automatically causes the internal portion of the hollow elastic element that extends about the pump suction pipe to contract and engage the external perimeter of the pump suction pipe, which in this case is also the support structure of the coupler unit. This compressing of the hollow elastic element could readily produce a compression of the gasket element 75, even tho the hollow collar element 74 and the hollow bushing element 71 are anchored against rotative movement about the support structure or pump suction pipe. The amount of movement of the hollow bushing element vertically is equal to the difference between the distance represented by 62" in Figure 8, and 63" in the Figure 9. The latching of an actuation being effected by the threaded connection between the actuating means and the hollow bushing element. The line 86 with arrows represents the path of the free air entering into the drum through the vent means 47 automatically as pumping occurs of the liquid therefrom the inelosed hollow vessel.

The modified coupler unit shown in Figures 10, ll, l2, 13 and 14, provides that the support structure form a definite part of the actuating means, and the vent disposed within the boundary of the opening in the plug flange of a drum, is formed by spaces between telescoping parts of the structure and in part the opening in the plug flange. In the following description, I employ the same numbers to designate its parts that are similar to those heretofore described and where a part is of similar nature but modified slightly, I apply the same numeral with the prefix before the number.

Referring to Figure 10, the combined actuating means and the support structure generally indicated by the numeral '30, is composed of the handles '41 (also see Figure 14) which are a part of the support structure 78. This support structure 78 also includes the hollow externally threaded element 79, and a ring portion 83, which encircles the circular space 84. A portion of the externally threaded element 79 of the support structure 78 is hollow to provide a seat for the hollow elastic element '35. The externally threading of the hollow externally threaded element conforming to the threads in the plug flange 61 of a drum or like vessel, heretofore described, to provide an operable connection between the two. The hollow externally threaded element 79 base portion of its length slotted, as at 80, to provide passageway for a portion of the bottom ring '36, extending thereacross', which is best seen at the Figures 11 and 12. The bottom ring '36 also includes a ring elementSS, which extends into the circular space 34, so as to form a vapor chamber, hereinafter described. Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the bottom ring '36 has external and internal hollow portions, which are interconnected in manner to provide openings between these two portions for passage therethrough of the slotted portion of the hollow externally threaded element, 79, so as to permit an end surface of the hollow elastic element '35 to bear upon a corresponding end surface of the internal hollow portion of the bottom ring '36, while the external portion extends about an external portion of the hollow externally threaded element.

Now referring to the Figures 11 and 12, the slots 80, of the hollow externally threaded element are of greater width than the width of the portions of the bottom ring '36 therein. The difference in said width forming the vent '47, located between the external perimeter of the threads of the hollow externally threaded element and the vertical axis 48, which later is considered as the center of the coupler unit and of the suction pipe 49.

Now referring to Figures 10 and 13, the Figure 10 indicates in section, the coupler unit and the suction pipe of the pump unit in free position in the plug flange at top of a drum, that had been heretofore described. The Figure 13 shows the same sectional view, but after manual actuation of the actuating means, with the accomplishment of the combined closure connection between the opening in the plug flange and the external perimeter of the pump suction pipe. This is brought about as follows: referring to the Figure 10, rotation of the actuating means, causes engagement of the external threading of the hollow externally threaded element 79 with the threading in the opening of the plug flange 61. As a result the coupler unit as a whole moves vertically toward the drum, whereupon a surfaceof the hollow gasket element 81 engages a corresponding surface of the plug flange 61 of the drum. The opposite surface of the hollow gasket element 81 is in contact with the lower face of the bottom ring '36. Consequently initial movement of the bottom ring '36 and the hollow gasket element 81 is erupted and the engaging of the hollow gasket element with the top surface of the plug flangeefliects a seal about the perimeter of the plug flange of the drum, but in continuation of the vertical movement of the balance of the coupler unit by continuation of the manual actuation of the actuating means, compresses the hollow elastic element between the bottom ring and the support surfaces of the support structure for the hollow elastic element, which in turn automatically causes the internal portion of the hollow elastic element '35 that extends about the external perimeter of the pump suction pipe to contract and engage the external perimeter of the pump suction pipe 49, as shown in Figure 13. The amount of the vertical movement effecting compression of the hollow elastic element, is equal to the difierence between the distance represented by '62, in Figure l0 and '63 in the Figure 13, although this distance varies to suit conditions encountered in practice. It is understood that the type of materials employed for the hollow gasket element varies, some having rebounding properties similar to that of rubber or the like, but in any event the material employed being of stiffer grade than that of the hollow elastic element '35. The vent '47, of which in this instance there are several, extends longitudinally, at the plug flange within the boundary of its opening and thence through the hollow gasket element 81, the bottom ring '36 and into the circular space 84 within the support structure 78 and thence to the atmosphere, the line 86 with arrows represents the path of the free air entering into the drum through the vent means '47 automatically as pumping occurs of the liquid therefrom the inelosed hollow vessel. Latching of an actuation is effected by the threaded connection between the actuating means and the plug flange of the drum.

The ring 83, extending about the ring element 85 in the form of an umbrella, prevents moisture from entering the drum through said vents, and additionally this form provides a vapor trap or chamber when gases arise from the drum. Also when the coupler unit is in place on the drum flange, portion of the plug flange opening forms a portion of the side walls for these vents, see Figure 13.

Referring to Figure 10, when the coupler unit is in free position away from the drum, the hollow gasket element 81, also serves as a keeper, for in the shop assembly of the coupler unit the hollow elastic element '35 is inserted into the support structure 78 and then the bottom ring '36 is likewise inserted about the hollow externally threaded element 79 of the support structure and then the internal diameter of the hollow gasket element 81 is expanded or threadingly extended over the externally threaded portion of the hollow externally threaded element 79 to a position above the threaded portion, whereupon the upper end of the threads forms a shoulder for a portion of the internal diameter of the hollow gasket element 81. This shoulder together with a portion of the internal diameter of the hollow gasket element then serves as a keeper for the assembly, similar to that of an ordinary snap ring. All of which provides for saving in the cost of manufacture, for the structure eliminates entirely screws and the like with their necessary preparations for same.

For convenient hand operation of the pump unit (not shown) the coupler unit when in its operable position on the plug flange of the drum, also serves to hold the suction pipe of the pump unit in fixed position.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention hereinabove specifically described without departing or sacrificing the advantages of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. The combination, a coupler device having a support with a top hole and tubular extension for coupling means extending from the bottom end of said support to a shoulder encircling said hole, a bottom portion of said extension including external screw threads and slots extending from said bottom end toward said shoulder and through the walls of said extension, a ring element having an inner ring and an outer ring spaced, apart with bridges interconnecting the inner and outer rings, said inner ring having a top seat encircling an opening, said outer ring having a bottom seat, said ring element having its inner ring with said top seat within said extension with said bridges extending through said slots so that said outer ring extends externally around said extension, an elastic element having an aperture, said elastic element supported within said support and extending from said shoulder to said top seat, a keeper having an aperture and surface means, said keeper extending about an exterior perimeter of said extension and with said surface means engaging said perimeter and said bottom seat, and the lateral width of said slots being greater than the lateral width of said bridges for the purpose described.

2. The combination, a coupler device having a support with a top hole and tubular extension for coupling means extending from the bottom end of said support to a shoulder encircling said hole, a bottom portion of said extension including external screw threads and slots extending from said bottom end toward said shoulder and through the walls of said extension, and said support having a wall spaced laterally about an upper portion of said extension, a ring element having an inner and an outer ring spacedapart with bridges interconnecting the inner and outer rings, said inner ring having a top seat encircling an opening, said outer ring having a bottom seat and a top wall encircling said top seat, said ring element having its inner ring with said top seat within said extension with said bridges extending through said slots so that said outer ring extendsexternally around said extension with the top portion of said top wall extending between an upper portion of said extension and said wall, an elastic element 'having an aperture, said elastic element supported within said support and extending from said shoulder to said top seat, and the lateral width of said slots being greater than the lateral width of said bridges for the purpose described.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 708,942 Torchiani Sept. 9, 1902 2,028,553 Lu'bin Jan. 21, 1936 2,226,039 Wiltse Dec. 24, 1940 2,237,680 Mark Apr. 8, 1941 2,543,909 Hathaway Mar. 6, 1951 2,544,764 Parkes Mar. 13, 1951 2,548,078 Thompson Apr. 10, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 763,900 France Feb. 19, 1934 

